Frequently Asked Questions about Vinyl Fence
What is the main advantage of choosing PVC/Vinyl?
Vinyl/PVC is warrantied for life and does not require any paints or stains. It will not rot, or deteriorate and is very easy to maintain. Simply rinse it off a few times a year to help renew its color and shine.
Is PVC/Vinyl really strong enough for winter climates?
One of the most important ingredients in our PVC/Vinyl is the "impact modifiers" which make it as strong as standard wood. Its designed to expand and contract when freezing and thawing.
How long should I expect my fence or railing to last?
In a typical back yard application, away from road-salt and snow plows, any of these styles can look great for more than 25 or 30 years with very minor maintenance (washing once or twice per year).
What is PVC/Vinyl made from?
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Salt are the main raw materials used in the production of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC/Vinyl).
How is PVC/Vinyl made?
PVC/Vinyl powder (Resin) is blended, with all the required ingredients, into a formulation that is called compound. Compound is fed into an extruder, with the proper amount of heat, pressure and mixing via screws in the extruder, and the compound becomes malleable...
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How is the PVC/Vinyl made into fences and railings?
Velocity cuts the profiles into their proper lengths for each design of fence. Holes are routed into the posts and rails, so that pickets can be inserted into them, without any requirement for external (visible) brackets or hardware. These "fabricated" pieces can then be...
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What holds the fences or railings together?
Depending upon the styles of fence, different fasteners can be used. Vinyl channels, which are often used in the fabrication of Privacy and Semi-Privacy styles, are attached using screws with PVC/Vinyl screw covers.
Is there anything else used to provide extra strength?
Galvanized steel channels are included inside the bottom rail for many of our fence styles and/or some of our railing designs.
Will the PVC/Vinyl mildew?
Mildew feeds off of organic materials. Vinyl (PVC/Vinyl) is non-organic and therefore does not support mildew. Mildew that grows on Vinyl is actual feeding off of the organic materials (dirt) that have become embedded in or stuck to the vinyl. All of our PVC/Vinyl...
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Will the PVC/Vinyl chalk?
Using a durable grade non-chalking TiO2 in the vinyl (PVC/Vinyl) formulation ensures that there will be very minimal chalking. All vinyl fencing will chalk sooner or later, but with the superior protection capabilities of TiO2 this will be kept to a bare...
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Can you paint PVC/Vinyl?
All of our vinyl products are engineered to retain their beauty and good looks throughout their lifetime. The only reason to use paints on our vinyl products would be to change the color of the product. While we do not recommend painting, there are paints that are available for...
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How does the cost of PVC/Vinyl compare to the cost of wood?
The initial cost of PVC/Vinyl is similar to the initial cost of Western Red Cedar left unstained. However, when all the varied cost factors are taken into account over the life of your fence, vinyl (PVC/Vinyl) becomes the true money saver. Factors such as having to replace the wood fence...
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Will the vinyl turn yellow?
As long as your fence is kept clean, with a periodic wash from a garden hose, it will not turn yellow.
What effects do PVC/Vinyl have on the environment?
PVC/Vinyl products are safe and non-toxic. They will not breakdown and release harmful chemicals into the ground and do not require toxic chemicals (stains, waterproofing, paint, paint thinner) for regular upkeep like treated lumber can. No trees are used in the manufacture of...
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What is virgin vinyl?
This is the term used for vinyl products that do not contain recycled products. Recycled products that may be imported into an extrusion plant may contain impurities or lower grade vinyl which can seriously affect the finished product's resilience, impact resistance and UV...
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Can PVC/Vinyl break?
Any product will break when enough force is applied. However, every one of our PVC/Vinyl profiles are formulated using only the highest quality impact modifiers in precisely engineered amounts to ensure the greatest impact resistance available.
Do all PVC/Vinyl products contain impact modifiers?
NO. Impact modifiers, although essential for long time performance of the product, cost money. One easy way for smaller "PVC/Vinyl manufacturers" to compete is to cut back on the amount of "expensive" impact modifier included within the product.
Do all PVC/Vinyl products contain UV stabilizers?
NO. UV Stabilizer, although essential for long time performance of the product, cost money. One easy way for smaller "PVC/Vinyl manufacturers" to compete is to cut back on the amount of "expensive" UV Stabilizer included within the product.
Do all PVC/Vinyl products contain TiO2?
NO. Titanium Dioxide, although essential for long time performance of the product, cost money. One easy way for smaller "PVC/Vinyl manufacturers" to compete is to cut back on the amount of "expensive" Titanium Dioxide included within the product.
What are some examples of PVC/Vinyl that do not contain impact modifiers, UV Stabilizers or Ti02?
A dark green lawn chair which turns very faded light green, goes soft and droopy, and is thrown out after a year or two is a very good example of a PVC/Vinyl product which is made "more affordable".
How can I tell if a particular PVC/Vinyl product contains enough impact modifiers, UV Stabilizers and Ti02?
Deal with reputable companies, who have a history in PVC/Vinyl, and only deal with the larger vinyl manufacturers.
What is the risk of choosing to go with a PVC/Vinyl that is less costly?
Imagine those faded lawn chairs, that have all gone soft, cemented 3 feet into the ground, all around your backyard after only 5 years.
Does buying from a larger manufacturer really matter?
Due to the costs involved in setting up to manufacture quality PVC/Vinyl, purchasing PVC/Vinyl resin at a reasonable price (a world oil commodity),and the costs associated with constantly measuring manufacturing tolerances, the manufacturing of PVC/Vinyl is best left to large...
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But don't the smaller manufacturers, who only extrude one line at a time, have better control of their product?
One of the advantages of the larger manufacturers is that they will be running many extruders at the same time. This allows them the opportunity to have a quality assurance department. One person is constantly taking samples of the product and measuring over 100 different...
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What are the choices of colour?
We offer all of our PVC/Vinyl products in a choice of White or Tan. Solar caps can accessories can be ordered in a variety of colors including white, tan, and black. Gate hardware is available in white and black.
